Sure, those were giant scissors used this morning for the ribbon cutting officially opening Pettengill Road in Londonderry; what else would you use for such great, big project?

A mere 18 months ago, the site was wooded when construction began on the road, which now opens some 1,000 acres of industrial land and creation of over 4 million-square-feet of new construction.

Within site of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Interstate 93 and the Everett Turnpike, Pettengill Road will attract the kind of businesses there now – FedEx, the partnership between UPS and Pratt Whitney in developing a logistics and distribution center, and Milton CAT.

As today’s speakers noted, Pettengill Road will be the catalyst for some of the most exciting economic development opportunities in southern New Hampshire.

For more information about Pettengill Road and the opportunities to do business here in New Hampshire, visit our website.

More than 7.5 million people are expected to visit New Hampshire this winter season, a 5 percent increase from last year and they are predicted to spend over $1 billion, 7 percent more than last year.

The winter outlook and a preview of the Department of Resources and Economic Development’s winter marketing campaign were unveiled Dec. 17 at the Littleton Welcome and Information Center.

DRED, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, joined with state and local officials and members of the state’s tourism industry to kick off winter operations at the state’s three seasonal centers in Colebrook, Lebanon, and Littleton, which are reopening for the season as part of a pilot project.

Commissioner Jeffrey Rose

“The winter season is a significant contributor to the overall health of the state’s travel sector, producing more than $1 billion in visitor spending,” said DRED Commissioner Jeff Rose. “The three seasonal welcome and information centers provide New Hampshire with significant marketing potential for visitors coming to the state.”

“DOT and DRED have worked collaboratively on the management of the state’s Welcome and Information Centers, providing important services to the motoring public,” said DOT Commissioner Victoria Sheehan. “The seasonal facilities that are reopening today, along Interstate 93, 89 and along US Route 3, are all major entry points in the northern and western parts of New Hampshire.”

During the event, the state previewed its winter marketing campaign, which encourages visitors to Make Tracks in New Hampshire this winter.

“The ‘Make Tracks’ campaign is a refreshed, integrated approach that leverages the popularity of skiing, while encouraging visitors to explore more of what makes New Hampshire the best destination in New England when the mercury drops,” said Division of Travel and Tourism Director Victoria Cimino. “It’s rooted in the ability to experience the season on your own terms, knowing that whatever path you take, it’s going to lead to fun and adventure.”

The call to middle school students across New Hampshire to enter the second annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? video contest is being answered. Video crews are fanning out to local manufacturers for a look inside at the cool things that come out of their plants.

Groveton Middle School students at Pak2000 in Lancaster.

We tagged along with students from Josh Smith’s technology class in Groveton the other day when they went inside Pak2000 in Lancaster to learn about the company and what it does. It produces plastic bags – 7 million a month – for stores we shop at every day and it has an impressive process involving printing presses, ink (lots of ink) and creativity to design them.

“The kids loved it and really got into it,” Josh reported when he and his students returned to school. “We were there until 1:30, interviewing and learning. It was great to see the kids go beyond the video contest and take an genuine interest in manufacturing. They kept asking questions and capturing footage. When we debriefed after the site visit the students were excited to represent those they interviewed. They are hoping to put together a great video.”

It’s not too late to enter! Students don’t have to be Scorsese or Speilberg; no fancy equipment is required.

Manufacturing is our largest industry, offering well-paying jobs and opportunities to grow and succeed. Our manufacturers are on the grow and want to get this message out to young people.

If you are the parent of a middle school students or a middle school teach, let’s talk. We can match you up with a local manufacturer and your team will vie for a top prize of $1,ooo for your school (thanks to generous sponsorship from Hypertherm, Velcro USA and BAE Systems).

The 2015 Small Business Matchmaker was a huge success, with over 200 people taking full advantage of the opportunity to speak with representatives of 26 prime contractors. Adding Uncle Sam to their list of clients is a great advantage for these small businesses.

One of the big messages from Primes, like BAE Systems? We want to work with more New Hampshire businesses.

The 20th annual meeting of the Division of Economic Development (that’s us!) drew a packed house Dec. 2 for an interesting and informative outsider’s look at New Hampshire as a place to expand or relocate a business.

Commissioner Rose took time to present his annual awards, given to companies, institutions and agencies that keep our economy strong and growing.

The MVP Award

Dick Anagnost received the MVP Award from Commissioner Jeffrey Rose, who cited his work as chairman of the state’s Workforce Innovation Board, his efforts in revitalizing Manchester and bringing a Job Corps Center to New Hampshire

The Granite Growth Award

Commissioner Rose presents the Granite Growth Award to Rotobec USA of Littleton, with Rotobect president Robert Bouchard and Mike Currier, operations manager of Rotobec USA.

Excellence in Exporting

The Excellence in Exporting Award was presented by Commissioner Rose to Bruce Steinberg, president of Relyco in Dover. The company, an advocate for the NH exporting community, works with the Office of International Commerce and partners to expand its global markets.

The Employer Recognition Award

Representatives of Havenwood Heritage Heights received the Employer Recognition Award, recognizing the company for creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Teamwork Award

The Commissioner’s Teamwork Award was presented to Manchester Community College and the four businesses below, which worked together to create a Tube Fabrication and Forming curriculum, which will help meet the workforce needs of the companies.

Axenics

GE Aviation

Scotia Technology

Titeflex

Congratulations and thanks to all who turned out for this great event.